Author:
Rajabiun Serena,Xiao Victoria,Bak Sharon,Robbins Charlotte,Casanova Nicole,Cabral Howard J.,Lemon Stephenie C.,Haas Jennifer S.,Freund Karen M.,Battaglia Tracy,James Ted A.,Ohrenberger Ellen,Ross Jo Ellen,Magrini Leo,Gershman Susan T.,Kennedy Mark,Levine Anne,Warner Erica T.,Clark Cheryl R.,Adams William G.,Bak Sharon,Battaglia Tracy A.,Debrito Janice,Finn Katie,Gunn Christine,Hernandez Jackeline,Ko Naomi Y.,Maschke Ariel,Mullikin Katelyn,Robbins Charlotte,Shanahan Christopher W.,Xiao Victoria,Cabral Howard J.,Chen Clara,Finney Carolyn,Lloyd-Travaglini Christine,Contreras Magnolia,Loo Stephanie,Freedman Rachel A.,White Karen Burns,Murphy Anne Marie,Moy Beverly,Haas Jennifer S.,Marotta Caylin,Oravcova-Mejia Mira,Percac-Lima Sanja,Wint Amy J.,Freund Karen M.,Harvey William F.,LeClair Amy M.,Parsons Susan K.,Tsering Dolma,Wang Feng Qing,Rajabiun Serena,Lemon Stephenie C.,
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Patient navigation is an evidence-based intervention for reducing delays in oncology care among underserved populations. In order to address the financial sustainability of this intervention, information is needed on the cost of implementing patient navigation in diverse healthcare settings. Because patient navigation programs and care settings are highly variable, this paucity of cost data creates difficulties in identifying best practices and decisions about the feasibility of implementing navigation programs within a health care system. One barrier to collecting these cost data is the lack of assessment tools available to support patient navigation programs. These tools must be relevant to the wide variety of navigation activities that exist in health care settings, and be flexible enough to collect cost data important to stakeholders in fee-for-service and value-based care environments.
Methods and results
We present a novel approach and methods for assessing the cost of a patient navigation program implemented across six hospital systems to enhance timely entry and uptake of breast cancer care and treatment. These methods and tools were developed in partnership with breast oncology patient navigators and supervisors using principles of stakeholder engagement, with the goal of increasing usability and feasibility in the field.
Conclusions
This methodology can be used to strengthen cost analysis and assessment tools for other navigation programs for improving care and treatment for patients with chronic conditions.
Trial registration
NCT03514433
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
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